SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ

05/12/2025

The risks are similar to other common surgeries — and much lower than living with uncontrolled diabetes, sleep apnoea or high blood pressure.
If fear has held you back, we’re here to talk through it gently.
💬 DM us any time.

05/12/2025

Let’s talk honestly about cost
Most women tell us:
“I thought surgery would be way more expensive.”
or
“I was too embarrassed to ask.”

Here’s the truth 👇
💲 We’re upfront about every cost.
💲 There are payment options available.
💲 A first chat is completely pressure-free.

You never have to feel ashamed for asking about money lots of women do.
Send us a private message anytime.
or contact us hear : https://southernweightloss.co.nz/contact/

02/12/2025

A Brief overview view of how a Gastric bypass is done

02/12/2025

🌿 Why diets fail: The real reason you regain weight
(A message for our Otago & Southern community Southern Weight Loss)
If you’ve ever lost weight on a diet… only to watch it creep back on again you’re not alone, and you’re not failing.
Your body is simply doing what it’s designed to do.
Let’s talk about Set Point Theory the science behind yo-yo dieting.

🔍 What is your “Set Point”?
Your body has a built-in weight range it tries to defend, like a thermostat.
When you diet, your biology responds by:
🔥 Slowing your metabolism
🍽️ Increasing hunger
😩 Reducing fullness signals
🍫 Boosting cravings
Your body’s goal?
To push you back to your old weight.
This is why traditional dieting feels like a constant uphill battle.

🔁 Why Yo-Yo dieting happens
The cycle is real and it’s happening to thousands of people across Otago.
1️⃣ Weight loss
2️⃣ Hunger increases
3️⃣ Metabolism slows
4️⃣ Cravings take over
5️⃣ Weight returns
This isn’t weak willpower. It’s strong physiology.

🧠 Can you change your set point?
Yes, but not usually with dieting alone.
Long-term lifestyle changes, medical care, and bariatric surgery can help:
✔️ Reset hunger hormones
✔️ Improve metabolism
✔️ Lower the defended weight range
This is why so many people across Dunedin, Queenstown, Oamaru and Southland turn to Southern Weight Loss for science-based support.

🌄 To our Otago community
If you’ve battled weight regain for years:
👉 You are not the problem.
👉 Your body is doing what it’s programmed to do.
👉 There ARE strategies that work long-term.
Understanding set point theory gives you freedom and a path forward.
If you want personalised support here in the Southern region, Southern Weight Loss is here to help. https://southernweightloss.co.nz/contact/

24/11/2025

🎄 10 Tips for surviving Christmas parties after Weight Loss surgery (Otago edition!) 🎄
Dunedin | Queenstown | Wanaka | Otago
The festive season in Otago is full of BBQs, long lunches, after work functions and sunny gatherings… but if you’ve had weight loss surgery, Christmas can also feel overwhelming.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you stay on track while still enjoying everything an Otago summer has to offer:
1️⃣ Prioritise protein – Start every meal with lean protein to stay satisfied and avoid grazing.
2️⃣ Don’t arrive starving – Have a high protein snack before the event to protect your decision making.
3️⃣ Use a small plate – Perfect for buffets and shared platters.
4️⃣ Eat slowly & mindfully – Prevent discomfort and enjoy every bite.
5️⃣ Stay hydrated (smartly!) – Sip water between meals, not during.
6️⃣ Go easy on alcohol – It hits faster post-surgery. Choose low sugar options and alternate with water.
7️⃣ Bring your own dish – Take something bariatric friendly you know you can enjoy.
8️⃣ Have polite phrases ready – “I’m choosing lighter options today” works every time.
9️⃣ Keep your routine – Walk the Otago Harbour, Lake Wanaka, or Queenstown Gardens to stay balanced.
🔟 Be kind to yourself – One meal won’t undo your progress.
✨ Christmas is a time to celebrate, connect and feel good and you absolutely can enjoy the season while protecting your goals.
If you’d like personalised support this summer, our team at Southern Weight Loss, based in Dunedin and supporting all of Otago, is here to help.

23/11/2025

Why lower limb resistance training is one of the best investments in your health
Southern Weight Loss Dunedin, Otago & Southland
When people begin their weight loss or health improvement journey, their first thoughts often turn to diet, walking, or getting back into gentle activity. While these are all important, one type of exercise stands out as a true game changer: resistance training, especially exercises that target the lower limbs. Strong legs aren’t just helpful for movement they are central to long-term physical health, mental wellbeing, brain function, and resilience as we age.
1. Building the foundation for general health
Your lower body houses the biggest muscle groups you have: your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Training these muscles delivers an enormous “health return on investment.” Strong legs help you:
• Move more efficiently and confidently
• Improve your balance and stability
• Support your hips, knees, and lower back
• Increase your metabolic rate, helping with weight control
For many of our Southern Weight Loss patients in Dunedin, Oamaru, Wanaka, Invercargill, and Queenstown, improving lower limb strength becomes one of the key factors in regaining mobility, especially after years of weight bearing joint strain.
2. A powerful tool for mental health
Resistance training is now recognised as one of the most effective non-medical treatments for mental health challenges. Working the major muscles of the legs stimulates strong hormonal and neurological responses that help:
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Improve sleep quality
• Boost stress resilience
• Increase overall feelings of wellbeing
Many of our patients tell us that lower-body sessions whether gentle bodyweight squats or more structured gym work help clear the mind, build confidence, and provide an essential sense of progress.
3. Longevity and healthy ageing
Strong legs are one of the best predictors of living not just longer, but healthier. Research shows that people with good lower-limb strength have:
• Lower risk of falls and fractures
• Better heart and metabolic health
• Higher levels of daily independence
• Improved ability to stay active into their 70s and 80s
In regions like Otago and Southland, where many of us enjoy tramping, biking, skiing, and outdoor work maintaining leg strength is essential for staying connected to the activities we love.
4. Supporting brain function and mental sharpness
One of the most exciting areas of research reveals a strong link between leg strength and brain health. Training the lower body promotes the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and increases blood flow to the brain, which helps:
• Improve memory
• Support attention and problem-solving
• Slow age-related cognitive decline
• Enhance overall mental clarity
Simply put, moving your legs strengthens your mind.
5. Strong bones and reduced fracture risk
Weight-bearing resistance exercises such as squats, step ups, and lunges stimulate bones to rebuild and strengthen. For adults concerned about osteoporosis or age-related bone loss, lower limb strength work is the single most effective exercise-based strategy. It protects the hips, spine, and legs while improving balance to reduce fall risk.

The Southern Weight Loss approach
At Southern Weight Loss, we encourage patients from Dunedin to Invercargill to include lower limb resistance training as part of their long-term health plan, both before and after surgery. You don’t need heavy weights to start; bodyweight movements done consistently can transform your health, confidence, and quality of life.

17/11/2025

⭐ Your Weight-Loss Journey Starts With the Right Choice
Find the surgery option that truly fits you.
Are you thinking about weight-loss surgery but not sure which option is right?
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
At Southern Weight Loss, we explain every option clearly — from gastric sleeve to bypass to mini-bypass — so you can choose the safest, most effective path for your long-term health.
👨‍⚕️ Local, expert bariatric care — supporting patients across:
✔️ Dunedin
✔️ Otago region
✔️ Wanaka
✔️ Invercargill
Whether you're just starting to research or ready to take the next step, we're here with compassionate, specialist guidance backed by years of surgical experience.
💬 “The hardest part is the first step — but you don’t have to do it alone.”
📅 BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION
Take control of your health journey today.
👉 Visit: southernweightloss.co.nz
📞 Or call us directly: (03) 464 0970

12/11/2025

The Questions You Should Ask Your Bariatric Surgeon Before Surgery
Making the decision to undergo weight loss (bariatric) surgery is a major step toward improving your health, mobility, and quality of life. But before you commit, it’s essential to have confidence in your surgeon and their team. Asking the right questions helps you understand their experience, outcomes, and approach, and ensures you’re in the best possible hands.
1. How much experience do you have with bariatric surgery?
Experience matters. Bariatric surgery is a highly specialised field that requires technical skill and ongoing training. Ask your surgeon:
• How many years have you been performing bariatric surgery?
• What is your main area of expertise: gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or mini gastric bypass?
• Are you a member of recognised surgical or obesity societies, such as the Australian & New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society?
An experienced surgeon will be transparent about their background and will welcome your questions.
2. How many operations have you performed?
Numbers tell a story. The more procedures a surgeon has successfully completed, the more familiar they are with variations in anatomy and potential complications.
A good benchmark is hundreds, not dozens, of procedures performed. Ask specifically how many of each type of bariatric surgery they’ve done, as techniques differ between gastric sleeve, bypass, and revision surgeries.
3. What are your complication and success rates?
No surgery is without risk, but your surgeon should be able to discuss their complication rates openly and provide context.
Ask about:
• Short-term complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, leaks)
• Long-term complications (e.g., reflux, nutritional issues)
• How their outcomes compare to national or international averages
A reputable surgeon will track their outcomes carefully and participate in clinical audits. This transparency is a strong indicator of professionalism and accountability.
4. What outcomes can I realistically expect?
Results vary from person to person, depending on your starting weight, medical conditions, and lifestyle changes. Ask about the average percentage of excess weight loss their patients achieve and how long it typically takes.
Equally important, discuss non-scale benefits such as improved diabetes control, sleep apnoea relief, and enhanced mobility.
A good bariatric team focuses not only on the surgery itself but also on long-term success supporting you with nutrition, psychology, and follow-up care.
5. What does the aftercare and support programme include?
Aftercare is critical. The months following surgery require close monitoring, dietary guidance, and emotional support. Ask:
• How many follow-up appointments are included?
• Is there access to a dietitian, psychologist, and nurse specialist?
• What happens if I have questions or issues after hours?
Comprehensive aftercare greatly improves outcomes and helps you maintain weight loss safely and sustainably.

Final Thoughts
Choosing your bariatric surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your weight loss journey. The best surgeons’ welcome questions they want you to be informed, confident, and ready.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery in Dunedin, Invercargill, Oamaru, Queenstown, or Wanaka, talk to the expert team at Southern Weight Loss. We’re here to guide you every step of the way with compassionate care, proven results, and lifelong support.
👉 Book your consultation today. https://southernweightloss.co.nz/contact/

11/11/2025

Ready to take control and live life to the fullest? At Southern Weight Loss & Laparoscopy in Dunedin, our expertly performed Mini Gastric Bypass offers a powerful pathway to lasting weight loss — with many patients shedding 60-75% of excess weight over 2-5 years. southernweightloss.co.nz
📞 Call us today at 03 464 0970 and start your journey towards better health, increased energy, and a life you’ll love.
🧭 Serving Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown — take the step and transform your tomorrow.

🌟 Join our community of empowered individuals and rebuild your future.
✨ You’re not just losing weight — you’re gaining life.

02/11/2025

🔥 READY TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH? 🔥
This is your sign. Not next Monday. Not “when things calm down.” NOW.
If you want to burn fat, boost your metabolism, build confidence, and feel stronger in your every day — it starts with moving your body. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.
Simple, powerful exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench press, HIIT, cycling, and even home circuits can fire up your metabolism and keep your body burning calories long after you finish your workout.
But here’s the truth 👉 Consistency and the right guidance matter.
That’s where Southern Weight Loss steps in.
We don’t just tell you to “work harder” — we teach you how to work smarter, build strength, protect your muscles, and create routines that actually fit your life.
💪 We support beginners.
💪 We guide post-surgery success.
💪 We help you stay on track — for life.
✨ This is YOUR journey.
And we’re here to walk it with you.
🟢 Ready to start?
Send us a message. Book your consult. Or check out the link https://southernweightloss.co.nz/2025/08/08/weight-loss-exercises/
Your future self will be grateful you did.

Achieve lasting weight loss results in New Zealand with our supportive programmes. Discover a sustainable weight loss program designed for your success. Contact us today for a free consultation!

02/11/2025

Are You Thinking About Ozempic or Weight Loss Surgery?
At Southern Weight Loss Dunedin, we support you in understanding your options – whether that’s medical therapy like Ozempic (Semaglutide) or surgical options such as Sleeve Gastrectomy or One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB).
Each path has benefits, challenges, costs, and different expectations for long-term results. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — your journey should be tailored to YOU.
Our specialist team helps you:
✔ Understand realistic outcomes
✔ Navigate side effects and long-term considerations
✔ Choose the safest and most effective approach based on your health goals
✔ Build sustainable habits for lifelong success
Whether you're looking for non-surgical support or exploring long-term surgical results, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Your journey to better health starts with one conversation.
📞 Message us today to book your consultation. https://southernweightloss.co.nz/weight-loss-medication/a-professional-comparative-overview-of-ozempic-semaglutide-glp-1-therapy-sleeve-gastrectomy-and-one-anastomosis-gastric-bypass-oagb/

02/11/2025

The importance of working with a dietitian and obesity specialist when using Ozempic

Introduction
Ozempic® (semaglutide) has transformed the landscape of obesity treatment in New Zealand. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, it is now widely used under medical supervision for chronic weight management. However, achieving safe and sustainable results with Ozempic requires more than medication alone. Partnering with a dietitian and an obesity specialist is essential for ensuring the best outcomes in both weight loss and overall metabolic health.

Comprehensive and coordinated care
Ozempic helps regulate appetite and blood sugar by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, leading to reduced caloric intake and gradual weight loss. Yet these physiological effects must be supported by structured nutritional and behavioural changes. Working with a dietitian in Dunedin or Otago provides evidence-based dietary strategies tailored to individual needs, medical conditions, and treatment goals.
An obesity specialist oversees the medical aspects of therapy — including dosing, side-effect management, and the integration of pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modification — ensuring a safe, effective, and individualised plan.

Safeguarding nutrition and energy
Because Ozempic can significantly reduce appetite, many patients consume fewer calories than their bodies require. Without guidance, this may lead to insufficient intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals. A registered dietitian can create meal plans that preserve lean muscle mass, support adequate hydration, and maintain energy levels while still promoting weight reduction.

Managing side effects and tolerability
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or constipation are common during dose escalation. Dietitians can recommend practical adjustments to meal size, composition, and timing to minimise discomfort. If symptoms persist, the obesity specialist can review medication dosing or titration schedules to optimise tolerability and adherence.

Preserving muscle and metabolic health
Unsupervised or rapid weight loss increases the risk of muscle loss, which can slow metabolism and hinder long-term success. Coordinated care between the dietitian and obesity specialist ensures adequate protein intake, progressive physical activity, and metabolic monitoring to maintain lean tissue and functional strength.

Supporting behavioural change
Long-term weight management extends beyond pharmacology. Emotional, social, and behavioural factors often influence eating patterns and motivation. A multidisciplinary approach provides accountability, coaching, and psychological support — helping patients sustain lifestyle changes that align with their health goals.

Planning for maintenance and life after Ozempic
Weight maintenance after discontinuing Ozempic requires deliberate planning. A combined care team helps transition patients to a sustainable nutrition and activity framework that stabilises weight and supports ongoing metabolic wellbeing. This continuity of care is vital to preventing relapse and promoting lifelong results.

Conclusion
Ozempic is a valuable tool in evidence-based obesity management, but lasting success depends on expert support. Partnering with a dietitian and obesity specialist ensures that treatment is safe, personalised, and sustainable. For patients in Dunedin and across Otago, comprehensive guidance offers the best opportunity to achieve meaningful, long-term improvements in health and quality of life.

Start your weight loss journey with Southern Weight Loss
https://southernweightloss.co.nz

We are weight loss practice based inDunedin. We have regular clinics in Wanaka, Oamaru, Invercargill and Dunedin. Our goal is to improve the understanding of the role that surgery plays in the management of obesity and help you achieve a healthier life.